Two Minutes with Kathryn Ditchett
How were you challenged in your classes at Wesley Institute?
Since the classes are small, you feel more of the spotlight with everything you do and the pressure is on! Everyone, lecturers and students alike, are close, and it feels like there's more riding on what you do and how you perform; almost like you would be letting everyone down, or even something as silly as embarrassing yourself in front of your peers for not putting in 100%. I also have a little competitive streak which probably colours how I see things.
How did Wesley Institute’s lecturers and classes prepare you for the competitive field of Graphic Design?
Not only do they teach you what you need to know through their lectures, but they all have invaluable stories from their own design careers, relevant to the industry, to share and will always take the time to sit down with you, going through whatever you want to know.
What are your career aspirations, and how will your study at Wesley Institute help you to achieve your goals?
I'd love to get in to publishing/editorial design. I love magazine layouts and the challenge of making both type and image work together; without one overpowering the other. I'd also love to get into designing for video games (another passion of mine). Wesley Institute was great in teaching me what I needed to know about the industry and how I can get the most out of myself. The teaching here is fantastic.
What makes Wesley Institute unique to you?
It just has this great atmosphere. I don't how to explain but Wesley Institute just has this certain feel about it. I knew it as soon as I saw this place, the people that I'd be studying with, the staff etc, that I wanted to study here. It's inviting and encouraging, something that I reckon other uni/colleges lack.
Wesley Institute uniquely integrates faith and the arts. What does this mean to you?
I think a large part of it is communication. With music people can come together to worship, sing, etc. Drama and dance can engage people and present them with ideas or emotions in creative ways that will both inform and entertain. Design, and good design at that, will effectively communicate and speak to its audience. Gloss over them or take them away completely and you'll have nothing that people want to stay around for. 
What is the best memory you have at Wesley?
Some of the best memories I have was spending time with my classmates, whether just hanging out or even stressing together in the computer lab trying to get that assignment done for the next day. All work and lack of sleep makes everyone go a little crazy...
What was your proudest moment as a student?
I was really happy and proud standing up with my classmates at our End of Year Exhibition in 2008. I also was really proud that I got there at all!
Why should other students come to Wesley Institute?
It's personable and encouraging; you're not a number in the system. Since you have that one on one time with your lecturers and you're surrounded by such a supportive environment, you can't help but get more out of your course. Wesley Institute is good quality.
For fun…
Who inspires you?
Hmmmm. I have a few I guess, designers, writers and various artists alike. I don't know if I can include fictional characters, but there is something about Atticus Finch from Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" that really touches me every time I read that book (which has been quite a number).
How do you unwind after a long day?
Video/computer games or I curl up to a book. I've been playing/reading for as long as I can remember so it's kinda just what I do when I get the chance. 
What was the first CD you bought?
I believe the first cd that I had was when I was maybe 4-5 years old and I think it was one of Peter Combe's. Either Toffee Apple or Spaghetti Bolognese..? Peter Combe was the best.
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Again, I'm going to go with Atticus Finch. If I could, I'd love to meet that guy!
What is your favourite movie?
Too many. I grew up in the 'Golden Age' of Disney movies so I can see almost all of them forever. I also love Tim Burton's films, my fave possibly being "Big Fish". Tough call though. But then again, I did see "Inception" five times in theatres (once at IMAX, which was wicked!) so that one's definitely up there.
Wesley Institute will host a Graphic Design Seminar on Wednesday 6 October. Register here.
For more information on Graphic Design at Wesley Institute, call 02 9819 8824, email info@wi.edu.au or click here.
Designs by Kathryn Ditchett.
